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Rental scam reports involving REALTORS® resurface

November 27, 2014

Reports of another rental scam have been received by the RAE this November, in which bogus ‘rental properties’ have been posted to popular online classified sites with the intention of tricking would-be renters into handing over damage deposits. The advertised ‘rental properties’ in question are non-existent and have been posted to online classified sites such as Kijiji. Property details and photos of the false ‘rentals’ have been lifted from one or more local REALTORS®’ MLS® listings. While variations of this scam have occurred in Alberta before, reports indicate fraudulent activity persists. Diminishing rental property inventories in Edmonton may result in consumers who are more vulnerable to this type of fraud. In recent reports, the scammer, posing as ‘owner’ or ‘REALTOR®’, asks for damage deposits from prospective renters who may be in crunches to secure residences. The scammer is unavailable to meet the prospective renter in-person at the property and proposes instead that funds be forwarded to secure the ‘rental’. The owner promises to make arrangements for someone to meet the renter at the property and hand over the keys. As you can imagine, no one shows up at the property to meet the renter.

Consumers are advised, when using online classified websites to ensure all financial transactions take place locally and in-person. Sites such as Kijiji also provide safety guidance on using their services and they maintain a list of common scams for users to be aware of. Consumers who wish to use these types of services to purchase anything are advised to review this information.

Edmonton, December 2, 2014: Mother Nature has made her mark and announced that winter is upon us. With the freeze comes the natural seasonal cooling of the market. There were no surprises in month-end Multiple Listing Service® sales figures for November released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton today. The all-residential average sales price of $381,371 was up 4.3% from last month and up 9.9% from last November. Single family detached homes sold on average for $442,884 which is 3.76% higher than October and up substantially from last year’s $406,587. Condominium average price ($255,167) was down 2% month-over-month (from $260,491) but up 5.3% from a year ago (from $242,371).

The average days on market went down for all residential properties from 57 last year to 54 days this November, with sales taking slightly longer in the single family and rowhouse categories and significantly faster (12 days) in the condominium market. Year-to-date, homes are selling about 5 days faster this year than last.

As expected, sales numbers are down month over month for all categories, with 1,137 all residential properties (1,228 adjusted) selling in November compared to 1,505 in October. Following the normal seasonal trend, inventory is down 12% month over month and down 4% year-over-year.

Million dollar plus homes still remain a very strong segment this month with over 1% of the market share. These higher priced homes are accounting for a significant portion of the average price increase. Total residential sales are up 11% year-to-date over last year at the same time.

“The housing market has been very strong and robust this year. We are expecting to see continued growth in housing sales for some time, but at a slower and more stable pace,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Greg Steele. “It has been a great year for Real Estate. As we do every year, we expect things to cool off as the temperature drops, but we always have new homes listed and sold over the winter months. People move when life happens, which does not necessarily correlate with warm weather.”

Phase II of Oxford will continue to demonstrate the City's commitment to The Way We Green by incorporating sustainable design and environmentally sensitive building practices. All homes built in this phase of Oxford must be constructed solar ready for future installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. In addition, all buyers and builders will be required to comply with the Sustainability and Architectural Design Guidelines, which includes obtaining third party sustainability certification of either BuiltGreen CanadaGold,LEED Canada for Home, ENERGY STAR, R2000, orachieving a minimum EnerGuide rating of 80.

This phase of Oxford consists of 87 lots. 40 lots were sold by public lot draw on May 12, 2014 and an additional 4 lots were sold to the public.

Legacy Park in Oxford is an innovative housing project located in northwest Edmonton. All homes will be constructed to a BuiltGreen energy efficient standard and many will include a fully developed, rentable secondary suite. The City is offering a grant for homeowners who want to construct their home to a standard higher than EnerGuide 80.

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Cumberland/ Oxford has fantastic Walking trails you can check them out here

If you would like any more information on Real Estate in OXFORD Please check out all of the listings here

Did you recently move into a fixer-upper? Or have you lived in your house so long that it’s become outdated? No matter your circumstances, there are plenty of ways to start fresh. By renewing the most age-weary components, small and large, you can prevent major problems before they occur and safeguard a safe, stylish, and energy-efficient future for your home.

Open-Door Policy

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Though a high-quality front door can last for decades, there inevitably comes a time when it must be replaced. With a new front door, you can look forward to enhanced energy efficiency, more dependable security, and a big boost to your home's curb appeal. Wood, fiberglass, and steel are the most often recommended materials for a new door; here, learn the pros and cons of each type.

A "High" Priority

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It has to be said: Though roof replacement rarely ranks as a "budget" project, it's undoubtedly one of the most important long-term investments you can make toward the continued integrity of your home. A roof with only one layer of shingles can receive a second layer right on top of what's there. If your roof already has two layers of shingles on it, however, the existing layers must be removed before the sheathing can be re-covered with new roofing.

Bright Outlook

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Among the owners of old homes, complaints about windows are all too common. If yours are drafty or hard to operate, think seriously about installing replacement windows. Window manufacturing has grown a great deal more sophisticated over the past decade or so, resulting in products with exceptional technology. In fact, choosing windows and patio doors that meet ENERGY STAR® guidelines can help you save up to $501 a year on your heating and cooling bills.

Snap, Crackle, Pop

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Modern life involves gadgets and gizmos that hardly anyone could have anticipated even 30 years ago. If your home still has an older electrical system, look for warning signs that it's buckling under the demands of today. Call in a licensed master electrician if you experience tripped circuits; lights that dim when appliances turn on; excessive heat around outlets and switches; or buzzing noises that emanate from the outlets, switches, or plugged-in electronics.

Cook’s Tour

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If you have any plans to sell your older home, consider the fact that a new or updated kitchen tops most buyers' wish lists. Though you may not mind decades-old cabinetry and countertops, prospective owners might find them a real turnoff. Remodeling your kitchen could go a long way toward eventually earning you a bid that meets your asking price. By the same token, take a critical look at your bathrooms. In a space like the living room, age imparts character and charm; in kitchens and bathrooms, that is decidedly not the case.

Demolition Derby

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A hundred years ago, homes were more easily heated when they were small. Fast-forward to the present day, and homeowners are free to embrace open floor plans more in tune with the casual tenor of contemporary life. By erasing the barriers between adjoining rooms, you can achieve a brighter, airier, and arguably more inviting arrangement of space. Of course, demolition work isn't necessarily a do-it-yourself affair. Consult a contractor for advice on how to proceed.

Decorate ‘The Fifth Wall’

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Time and time again, old-house owners discover hardwood flooring beneath later installations of vinyl, linoleum, or wall-to-wall carpeting. If you're certain your home has no such pleasant surprises in store for you, the next best thing is to address those rooms where worn-out flooring detracts either from the space's utility or aesthetic effect. Flooring is as decorative as it is functional, after all; treat it as the design opportunity that it most certainly is.

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